Newsroomhttps://newsroom.arlingtonva.us
Arlington County NewsroomSun, 20 Jan 2019 13:32:40 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9Arlington Sees Record Turnout in 2018 General Electionhttps://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/arlington-sees-record-turnout-in-2018-general-election/
Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:40:02 +0000https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/?post_type=news_release&p=19403More registered voters in Arlington cast votes in the 2018 general election on Nov. 6 than in any other non-presidential election in the County’s history.

In all, 107,406 voters, or about 71 percent of those registered, cast ballots. Absentee turnout was also record-breaking, with just over 20,000 ballots cast — again, the highest ever for a non-presidential election.

The most significant increases in turnout were in precincts along Columbia Pike and in the Rosslyn-Ballston and Crystal City Metro corridors, and among younger voters. More complete demographic data will be ready for analysis in about a week.

Rain earlier in the day did not seem to deter voters, as the largest turnout and longest wait times occurred during those times.

Bond Referenda: Voters authorized the County to finance up to $140.9 million in capital investments in Metro and transportation, local parks and recreation, and community infrastructure, and up to $103 million for Arlington Public Schools.

U.S. Congress: Nearly 82 percent of Arlington voters cast ballots for Sen. Tim Kaine for U.S. Senate, and 79 percent voted for Rep. Don Beyer to represent Virginia’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

]]>5 Things to Know for Election Dayhttps://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/5-things-to-know-for-election-day/
Tue, 30 Oct 2018 15:40:28 +0000https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/?post_type=news_release&p=19189Election Day 2018 is fast approaching ― there’s only one week left! From what’s the on the ballot to what you need to bring with you, we’ve rounded up the information you need to know before heading to the polls.

Who’s on the Ballot

The Nov. 6 election will feature four races for seats that represent Arlington County ― two in federal office and two local elections.

In the statewide race for one of Virginia’s two U.S. Senate seats, Sen. Tim Kaine (D) is facing Republican challengers Corey A. Stewart and Libertarian Matt J. Waters. In the U.S. House of Representatives’ 8th District, Rep. Don Beyer (D) is being challenged by Republican Thomas S. Oh.

Locally, one seat on the Arlington County Board and one seat on the Arlington County School Board are up for reelection. On the County Board, incumbent Independent John E. Vihstadt is facing Democratic challenger Matt de Ferranti, while for the School Board, incumbent Barbara J. Kanninen is facing challenger Audrey R. Clement.

What’s on the Ballot

In addition to candidates for public office, the ballot also includes two proposed amendments to the Constitution of Virginia and four Arlington County bond questions.

Metro and Transportation: $74.57 million to finance, together with other available funds, the cost of various capital projects for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and other transit, pedestrian, road or transportation projects.

Parks and Recreation: $29.33 million to finance, together with other available funds, the cost of various capital projects for local parks and recreation.

Infrastructure: $37.015 million to finance, together with other available funds, the cost of various capital projects for County facilities, and other County infrastructure.

Schools: $103 million to finance, together with other available funds, the costs of various capital projects for Arlington Public Schools.

The first constitutional amendment would authorize a locality to provide a partial tax exemption for property that is subject to recurrent flooding, if flooding resiliency improvements have already been made. Thesecond constitutional amendment would allow the surviving spouse of any veteran who has a 100 percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability to continue to claim the tax exemption currently provided for primary residences, even if the surviving spouse moves to a new principal place of residence owned by him or her.

Worried you won’t have time to vote on Election Day?In-person absentee voting runs through Nov. 3 at the Bozman Government Center (2100 Clarendon Blvd.) in the conference rooms on the lobby level. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for Tuesday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1, when hours will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voters can complete an absentee ballot application when they arrive.

If you have an expired photo ID, you may still use it if the expiration date is within 12 months of the election date.

Don’t think you have the right ID to vote?You can obtain a free photo ID for voting purposes only at the Office of Elections, located in the Bozman Government Center (2100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 320).

Voters who forget to bring their IDs but are otherwise qualified to vote can fill out a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots will not be counted unless a voter provides the Electoral Board with a copy of a valid ID no later than noon on the third business day after the election.

How to Get Help

If you have questions about Election Day or any of the voting or ID requirements, contact Arlington Office of Elections at 703-228-3456 or stop by the Bozman Government Center (2100 Clarendon Blvd. Suite 320).

Have questions while at your polling place? Ask a poll worker! They are there to help. Also, you can ask for a new ballot if you make a mistake while casting your votes.

]]>MEDIA ALERT: Arlington County Voting and Elections Office Welcomes DHS Official for Operations Tour on Primary Dayhttps://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/media-alert-arlington-county-voting-and-elections-office-welcomes-dhs-official-for-operations-tour-on-primary-day/
Mon, 11 Jun 2018 20:32:19 +0000https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/?post_type=news_release&p=17104WHO: Arlington County Director of Elections Linda Lindberg will host Chris Krebs, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

WHAT: Mr. Krebs will visit and tour the Arlington Voting and Elections Office to learn about County’s good work with security of voting processes and operations.

Media will be able to talk with the Undersecretary and Director of Elections and ask questions following brief remarks.

]]>Arlington County Board Approves Polling Place, Precinct Changeshttps://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/arlington-county-board-approves-polling-place-precinct-changes/
Wed, 14 Dec 2016 15:11:01 +0000https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/?post_type=news_release&p=10484CORRECTION: 12/15/2016 This release was corrected to identify the new name of the former 041 Woodbury Precinct as 041 Navy League, and to add that 048 Courtlands is moving permanently from the former Arlington Education Building, 2801 Clarendon Blvd., to the AUSA Building, 2425 Wilson Blvd, and the precinct is being renamed 048 AUSA).

The Arlington County Board on Tuesday adopted changes to the ordinance on precincts and polling places to relocate several polling places and create two new precincts. The Board voted 5-0 to adopt the amendments to the ordinance. To read the staff report, visit the County website. Scroll down to Item No. 21 on the agenda for the Dec. 13, 2016 Recessed County Board Meeting. Polling place and name changes:

Moving the polling place for 006 Crystal City from Water Park Towers, 1501 Crystal Drive to Crystal Place 1801 Crystal Drive.

Moving the polling place for 022 Abingdon Precinct from Abingdon School, 3035 South Abingdon St., to the Fairlington Villages Community Center, 3005 South Abingdon St.

Moving the polling place for 028 Claremont Precinct from Claremont Immersion School, 4700 South Chesterfield Rd., to Wakefield School, 1325 South Dinwiddie St.

Changing the name of 043 Arlington Mill Precinct to 043 Campbell Precinct. The precinct originally voted at the Arlington Mill Community Center but now is at Campbell School – the name change better reflects the location.

Moving the polling place for 041 Woodbury Precinct from the former Verizon Building, 1320 North Courthouse Rd., to the Navy League Building, 2300 Wilson Blvd., and changing the precinct name to 041 Navy League.

Moving the polling place for 048 Courtlands permanently from the former Arlington Education building, 2801 Clarendon Blvd., to the AUSA Building, 2425 Wilson Blvd. The precinct will be renamed 048 AUSA.

Precinct boundary changes and new precincts

Moving the portion of 026 Fillmore Precinct east of Washington Boulevard to 038 Arlington View Precinct. (Affects about 234 voters).

Creating a new precinct, 053 Met Park, from part of 021 Virginia Highlands Precinct, with a polling place at The Bartlett, 520 12th Street South. About 2,400 voters will vote at The Bartlett, reducing the Virginian Highlands Precinct to about 2,250 voters.

Changing the polling place of 021 Virginia Highlands Precinct from the Aurora Hills Recreation Center, 735 18th Street South, to the Aurora Hills Library at the same address.

Creating a new precinct, 054 Garfield Park from part of 015 Lyon Park Precinct, with a polling place at Garfield Park Apartments, 925 North Garfield Street. About 1,500 voters, most from the part of Lyon Park Precinct east of Washington Boulevard and north of North Pershing Street, will move to Garfield Park, reducing Lyon Park Precinct to about 1,850 voters.

Notifying voters

All voters affected by the precinct boundary or location changes will be mailed new voter information cards and notices, with the exception of voters in 006 Crystal City, 010 Wilson and 022 Abingdon, who were mailed new cards and notices prior to the November 8, 2016 election because of the emergency enactment of changes to those locations.

]]>Libby Garvey to be Sworn-in for New County Board Term Dec. 13https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/libby-garvey-to-be-sworn-in-for-new-county-board-term-dec-13/
Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:38:34 +0000https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/?post_type=news_release&p=10271

Current Chair re-elected to Board

County Poet Laureate to participate in ceremony

Public reception to follow swearing-in

Next Board Chair to be chosen Jan. 3

Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey will be sworn-in for her second full term on the Arlington County Board on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. in the Board Room at 2100 Clarendon Blvd.

Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey

Garvey will deliver remarks and Arlington County Poet Laureate Katherine E. Young will read a poem for the occasion. Board Member Christian Dorsey will act as master of ceremonies and Clerk of the Circuit Court of Arlington and Falls Church Paul Ferguson will administer the oath.

The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by students from Wakefield High School, Randolph Elementary School and Drew Model School.

A reception for the public will immediately follow the program.

Garvey was re-elected overwhelmingly this month to a term that ends in 2020. She was first elected to the County Board in March 2012 to fill the seat of now-State Senator Barbara Favola and won her first full term that November.

Garvey’s current year-long role as County Board Chair concludes next month with the job traditionally taken up by another member.

In a change from tradition, the County Board will hold its annual Organizational Meeting during the first regular business day of the new year, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room. The Board had traditionally met each New Year’s Day or the day after when New Year’s falls on a Sunday as it does in 2017.

In addition to selecting the Board Chair for 2017, members will also use the Organizational Meeting to elect the next Vice Chair and discuss priorities for the new year.

Arlington voters on Tuesday re-elected Libby Garvey to the County Board as she concludes her year as Board Chair. Garvey won 70.11 percent of ballots cast with 72,542 votes in the Nov. 8 election according to 100 percent of results posted this morning by the Virginia State Board of Elections.

Garvey was first elected to the Board in March 2012 in a special election to complete the term of now-state Senator Barbara Favola. Garvey won a full four-year term that fall and now has been re-elected to serve through 2020. Her current year-long role as Board Chair concludes next month with the job traditionally taken up by another member in the new year.

“Thank you Arlington voters for once again taking to the polls in such large numbers and for continuing to place your trust in me,” Garvey said. “Most importantly, on behalf of County leadership, I want to thank our residents for supporting every bond measure on the ballot, making that commitment to better, safer roads, parks, community centers, fire stations and schools in Arlington. We will work hard to make sure these funds will be invested wisely and managed carefully as a public trust in our shared future.”

All bond referenda approved

Voters approved all four bond referenda on the ballot, representing $315,775,000 in investment to fund transportation, infrastructure, parks and Arlington Public Schools projects.

The bond referenda were:

Metro and Transportation: $58.79 million (passed with 78 percent of the vote)

Arlington Public Schools: $138.83 million (passed with 79 percent of the vote)

Projects include: an addition at the Stratford building to add 339 seats, the new school at the Wilson site to add an estimated 775 seats, renovation of the Career Center/Arlington Tech to add 300 seats, planning and design to build an additional 1300 secondary seats at locations to be determined, and HVAC, roofing and other infrastructure improvement projects at existing APS buildings.

More details on the approved bond referenda are available from the County website.

Very strong voter turnout

Arlington saw the most number of voters ever to cast ballots but still not a record. As General Registrar Linda Lindberg explained, “Unofficial turnout was a record high of 121,807 but because of population increases, that represents just 82 percent of our 148,154 registered voters, falling a little short of the 85 percent turnout record set in 1992.”

Unlike in most previous years, absentee ballots were counted on Election Night.

Garvey’s swearing-in ceremony has not yet been scheduled but will likely take place next month.

Applications for absentee ballots must be received by Registrar by Nov. 1

Voter registration extended statewide to midnight Friday

Arlington is already seeing large numbers for Election 2016.

Total absentee voters will likely reach the 43,000 level, double the figure for the last presidential election four years ago. That would also shatter the recent record for absentee voting set in 2008.

“We are about 50 percent higher than where we were at the same point in 2012 and believe we will exceed 2008’s numbers of nearly 35,000 absentee voters,” said Arlington General Registrar Linda Lindberg. “We are keeping pace with demand because we hired considerable extra staff in anticipation.”

Registration extended statewide

A federal judge today ordered an extension for voter registration in Virginia to Friday at midnight. A computer system glitch created difficulties for some people trying to register before the original deadline of this past Monday.

Absentee voting through Nov. 5

In-person absentee voting will continue in Arlington County through Nov. 5. The three in-person absentee polling places are at Courthouse Plaza and the Walter Reed and Madison community centers. Check for days, hours and street addresses.

Applications for absentee ballots to be sent by mail must be received by the Registrar’s Office by Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. and returned by Election Day, Nov. 8, at 5 p.m., to be counted.

What to know about voting on Election Day, Nov. 8

When to go: Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. To avoid crowds, the best times to vote are mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

What to bring: You must show a photo ID to vote, such as a Virginia driver’s license or ID card; any photo ID issued by the U.S. Government (military ID, passport) or state or local government; employer photo ID; or student photo ID from a Virginia school. Don’t have a photo ID? Arlington’s Elections Office can issue one for free.

Know what’s on the ballot: Ballots will list candidates for office, proposed amendments to the Virginia constitution and proposed County bond referenda. Review a sample ballot so you’ll know how you want to vote before you go to the polls.

A secure system

General Registrar Linda Lindberg says voters should have full confidence in the Arlington election process and technology. “Our system is secure because our voting machines are not connected to any network. And the paper ballots that are marked before being scanned act as a back-up for the electronic tallies.”

Notices will be posted at each polling place as to who is permitted inside. Under state law, all other activities may take place no closer than 40 feet from the entrance to the polls.

Media welcomed at polling places

The Arlington Electoral Board welcomes media representatives in and around County polling places before and on Election Day, as long as that presence is not disruptive to the smooth operation of the election, and voters and election workers do not feel uncomfortable or feel their privacy has been violated.

Read more detailed Election Guidelines for media to help comply with appropriate procedures and laws.

]]>September County Board Meeting Agenda Previewhttps://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/september-arlington-county-board-meeting-agenda/
Mon, 19 Sep 2016 16:08:36 +0000https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/?post_type=news_release&p=9357The Arlington County Board will act on dozens of items at its September Regular County Board Meeting, Saturday, Sept. 24 and Tuesday, Sept. 27. Visit the County website for procedures for speaking at a Board Meeting. County Board meetings are open to the public and broadcast live on Comcast 25 and Verizon 40 and webstreamed on ATV.

Westover Affordable Housing Loan Request: The County Board will consider lending the non-profit Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing up to $10.9 million from the County’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund to help buy 68 units in eight apartment buildings in the Westover neighborhood. APAH’s purchase and rehabilitation of the units would preserve them for decades as affordable to households earning 60 percent or less of the area median income. To read the staff report, visit the County website. Scroll down to Item No. 57 on the agenda for the Saturday County Board Meeting.

Western Rosslyn Planning Area Actions: The County Board will vote on the temporary location for Fire Station No. 10 and take other actions related to the Western Rosslyn Planning Area. To read the staff report on Fire Station No. 10, visit the County website. Scroll down to Item No. 55D on the agenda for the Saturday County Board Meeting.

Rosslyn Highlands Park Coordinated Open Spaces Plan: The County Board will consider a plan to redevelop Rosslyn Highlands Park. This is the culmination of a coordinated open spaces planning process started in July 2015 with the Board’s adoption of the Western Rosslyn Area Plan Study. The plan proposes a dynamic, urban community park offering a balanced array of active and passive recreational amenities in a way that integrates three fragmented open spaces. Major elements are organized around a central pedestrian path. A multi-use court, sloped green lawns, playgrounds, a lighted synthetic turf athletic field, a roof terrace and more are proposed. The staff report for this Item, No 55A on the agenda for the Saturday County Board Meeting, has not yet been posted.

Neighborhood Conservation Program Funding: The County Board will consider approving several Neighborhood Conservation projects. These projects are prioritized by the neighborhoods and reviewed by the Neighborhood Conservation Committee before coming to the Board for final review and approval. The staff report for this Item, No. 48 on the agenda, has not yet been posted.

Contracts to upgrade the Aurora Hills Community Senior Center/Branch Library and to underground overhead power and communication lines on Lee Highway at North Glebe Road: The County Board will consider approving a contract for $555,800 to install a new kitchen, ADA compliant bathrooms, floor finishes, storage rooms, an office, receptionist desk, circulation desk and other improvements in the Aurora Hills Community Center and and Branch Library shared building at 735 18th S. To read the staff report, visit the County website. Scroll down to Item No. 34 on the agenda for the Saturday County Board Meeting.

The Board also will consider approving a $2.7 million contract to underground existing overhead power and communication lines around the Lee Highway and North Glebe Road intersection. The undergrounding is necessary for future streetscape improvements in the area. The future streetscape project will include left-turn lanes on Lee Highway, new concrete sidewalks, new ADA accessible curb ramps, new traffic signals, bus shelters and street lighting to improve safety and access for pedestrians and motorists. To read the staff report, visit the County website. Scroll down to Item No. 33 on the agenda for the Saturday County Board Meeting.

The Registrar of Voters will report on changes in polling place locations and other issues of interest for the Nov. 8 election.

Manager’s Report:

The County Manager will provide an update on issues related to the operations of short-term rentals, such as Arbnb, the online rental service, in Arlington.

The Manager also will provide an update on the design of the replacement pedestrian bridge over Wilson Blvd. at Ballston Quarter. A design team from studioTECHNE has worked collaboratively with the Public Art Committee, County staff, the Manager-appointed Technical Advisory Committee and the Forest City project team to design the bridge.

At the 6:30 p.m. session:

Ballston Quarter: The County Board will consider several actions relating to the replacement of a pedestrian bridge over Wilson Boulevard that links to Ballston Quarter and the approval of a development agreement between the County and developer Forest City, and other related financing documents. The staff report for the development agreement has not yet been posted. To read the staff report on the pedestrian bridge, visit the County website. Scroll down to Item No. 60 on the agenda for the Tuesday, Sept. 27 Recessed County Board Meeting.

]]>My Arlington App, Now New and Improvedhttps://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/release/my-arlington-app-itunes-android/
Mon, 29 Aug 2016 16:22:42 +0000https://newsroom.arlingtonva.us/?post_type=news_release&p=9149In January, we released the My Arlington app, “a better way to connect with the County.” Now the tool to help County government better engage and communicate with the community is, well … even better.

In addition to the latest news from the County and Arlington Public Schools, and the option to receive alerts from the County and Metrobus and Metrorail, the new version of the mobile tool now features real-time traffic data, voting info, notices about stop work orders and more.

Traffic Alerts

Real-time information is now available for paving and milling operations on County-owned roads, helping drivers to avoid traffic impacts. Road updates are provided using data from Waze, the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation tool.

“County staff enters data into Waze daily, noting if a street is partially or fully closed, along with an estimated time of completion,” said Shannon Whalen McDaniel, spokeswoman for the County Department of Technology Services.

Voting

County Staff Directory

The new and improved My Arlington app now also features the new and improved County Staff Directory. To find an employee, you can search by entering all or part of any field into the search field, or simply browse the listing.

Development Projects

Now you can view Information on development projects, complete with County site plans, all from the convenience of your phone.

Covering Polling Place Activity

Follow these guidelines to comply with the appropriate procedures and laws on Election Day:

Upon entering the voting area, contact the chief election officer, who has supervisory authority in the polling place and can authorize your presence. Be prepared to show your media credentials or identification.

Before you take photos or video in the polling place during voting hours, confer with the chief election officer regarding camera placement, lighting, etc.

Don’t speak with any voter in the voting area.

Don’t impede the voting process or the work of the polling place staff.

Don’t compromise or endanger the secrecy of a voter’s ballot (e.g., taking a photo that clearly reveals how a voter marked the ballot).

Note that Virginia Law strictly prohibits electioneering or obstruction of any kind within a 40-foot radius of the polling place entrance, including:

Wearing any campaign buttons, stickers or regalia

Handing out campaign literature

Urging any candidate or issue election or defeat on the ballot

Since your presence at a polling place is for media coverage only, leave promptly after completing your work

When conducting an exit poll:

Question only those people leaving the polling place

Advise people that answering questions is voluntary — don’t press anyone who refuses to answer or seems uncomfortable or annoyed

Don’t interfere in any way with polling place access

Don’t position yourself within 40 feet of the polling place entrance

For more media information, visit the Virginia Department of Election’s Media Newsroom.